I had a different post planned for today but the release this morning by Butterfly Conservation of this year’s Big Butterfly Count’s horrifying statistics has prompted me to share the very sad but not entirely unexpected news that our butterfly populations are plummeting. The 2024 count’s dismal totals are the worst in its 14 year history, and it’s not just due to this year’s miserable wet weather. As Butterfly Conservation’s Head of Science, Dr Richard Fox has announced:

Butterflies are a key indicator species; when they are in trouble we know that the wider environment is in trouble too. Nature is sounding the alarm call. We must act now if we are to turn the tide on these rapid declines and protect species for future generations.

A butterfly emergency has been declared but will anyone listen?